Art Lab
WKMA’s Art Lab is a hub for learning where students, makers, educators, and the public can connect, exchange knowledge and ideas, and hone their skills. Equipped with painting, drawing, printmaking, and clay studios; a darkroom; and digital and 3D labs, it’s a space where critical thinking is engaged, curiosity is sparked, and creativity flourishes. It’s a place for examining the rich diversity of our world through the lenses of art, craft, and technology.
Stay Up To Date
Friends of the Art Lab
Generous funding for Art Lab is provided by:
Appalachian Regional Commission
Educational Foundation of America
Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation
…and many individual donors.
our resident artists
No visit to the Museum is complete without stopping by some of our studio spaces to chat with our talented team of working artists.
Learn More
All Upcoming Classes & Programs
September
Installation Art & Creative Play
September 24, 2020 - September 26, 2020
In this experimental and collaborative workshop, participants will learn about installation art and collaborate to create a unique art installation in the Art Lab. This creative process will be facilitated by resident artist Margaret Gregg. Some supplies provided including ceiling hooks, fishing line, miscellaneous hardware, fabric and plastic and paper ...
Putting the Pieces Together
September 26, 2020 - September 26, 2020
Collage is a technique that involves combining disparate images and text to create a composition with new meaning. In this class, students will be guided through the collage process to create a work that celebrates or subverts existing systems and envisions their hopes or goals for the future. In a ...
Make a Thing, Draw a Thing
September 14, 2020 - September 28, 2020
This class introduces students to basic terms and concepts in 2D and 3D art. It will introduce students to basic concepts in abstraction through the creation of forms using clay and drawing. Students will take inspiration from natural forms to create unique abstract forms in modelling clay. Then, students will ...
Teen Lab – Fall 2020
September 01, 2020 - September 30, 2020
This Teen Lab series will take participants through a variety of digitally-focused projects such as illustration, stop motion film, and zines to build technical skills and support the development of creative voice. Each week is independent of others (with the exception of stop motion film.) Students should bring a notebook ...
October
Words and Thread
October 03, 2020 - October 03, 2020
Discover techniques of writing with a needle and thread! Learn how to create plain text, cursive, and block letters as well as embroidery techniques to embellish your work. This class is great for beginners who are looking for a place to start, but is also a lighthearted event for all ...
English Paper Piecing (EPP)
October 08, 2020 - October 08, 2020
This class will teach the basic principles of the technique of English Paper Piecing (sometimes referred to as EPP). This technique uses the method of folding fabric around paper shapes and basting them in place until the shapes are sewn together using the traditional whipstitch. Students will ...
Color Mixing Workshop
October 10, 2020 - October 10, 2020
Join WKMA’s education staff for a tour of Alchemy of Light: Michelle Gagliano. Afterwards, families will get the chance to use what they have learned as they tackle the art of color mixing. Go beyond simply mixing blue and yellow to make green, and see how using ...
Painting Flesh
October 11, 2020 - October 11, 2020
In this course, participants will explore the traditional methods of mixing skin tones while having open conversations about the implications of color, race, and skin. Participants are welcome to bring stories and educational discussions about social or scientific issues surrounding the intricacies of skin. Working with primary ...
Adult Finger Painting for Arthritic Fingers
October 17, 2020 - October 17, 2020
This class is designed for those who want to paint but find it painful or uncomfortable holding those tiny brushes. Join Melinda to see techniques of painting with your hands to create colorful trees. Be prepared to get a little messy! Adult Finger Painting for Arthritic Fingers with Melinda ...
Basic Photography
October 18, 2020 - October 18, 2020
Shooting in manual mode allows you to control the exposure of your shot. It helps you bring your vision to life in a way that shooting in Auto can not. Learning to shoot in manual is the most important step in advancing as a photographer. This course is an introduction ...
DIY Halloween (Make your own mask or hat)
October 24, 2020 - October 24, 2020
Come with a plan - some pictures, a drawing, and notes for your mask or hat. Work with other attendees and staff to create using cardboard, paper, plastic bags, paints, and other everyday materials provided. Stay the whole time or drop in for a quick creation.
Exquisite Corpse Book
October 24, 2020 - October 24, 2020
“Exquisite Corpse” games were used by Surrealist artists to inspire creativity and explore multiple artistic themes simultaneously. The process is collaborative and often has a humorous element. Each participant creates part of a drawing or doodle without knowing what the other participants are making. The resulting creation ...
Acrylic Painting
October 12, 2020 - October 28, 2020
Learn how to create strong paintings using basic art elements, especially color, shape, texture and composition. A wide variety of techniques will be demonstrated including color mixing, transferring images to surfaces, and dealing with highlights and shadows. This class is suitable for all levels of painting. ...
Last Friday Workshop
October 30, 2020 - October 30, 2020
Topics vary in this workshop on the last Friday of each month. Last Friday Workshop When: October, Friday 30 from 5 - 7 p.m. Cost: FREE COVID relate noted: We request that students wear a mask (if their health permits) in consideration of high-risk ...
Stay Up To Date
Support & Join
Become part of our story. Help us tell your story. Thank you for your support.
See More